A varsity jacket can look sharp or sloppy depending on one thing: fit. Too tight and it pulls across the chest; too loose and the shoulders droop and the sleeves swallow your hands. The good news is that finding the right size is simple once you know what to measure. This guide walks you through it step by step.
How a Varsity Jacket Should Fit
Before measuring, it helps to know what you are aiming for. A well-fitting varsity jacket usually has:
- Shoulders – seams sitting at or very slightly past your natural shoulder.
- Chest – enough room to snap it closed over a t-shirt or light layer without pulling.
- Length – the ribbed waistband resting at your hips or just below your belt line.
- Sleeves – cuffs ending at your wrist bone with arms relaxed.
Oversized styles—popular in many women's and streetwear-inspired looks—are intentionally roomier, but the same checkpoints help you judge how relaxed you want to go.
What You Need
- A soft measuring tape (a piece of string and a ruler work too)
- A thin t-shirt or the layer you usually wear under a jacket
- A mirror or a friend to help keep the tape level
How to Measure Yourself
1. Chest
Stand straight with arms relaxed. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level and snug, but not tight. This is the most important measurement for choosing your size.
2. Shoulders
Measure across your back from the edge of one shoulder to the other. This helps if you are between sizes or have broad shoulders.
3. Sleeve length
Starting at the centre back of your neck, measure across the shoulder and down to your wrist bone with your arm slightly bent. This tells you whether a standard sleeve will work for you.
4. Waist
Measure around your natural waist. Varsity jackets have a stretchy rib-knit waistband, so this is less critical, but it is useful if you are choosing between two sizes.
Varsity Jacket Size Chart
Use your chest measurement to find your size. These are approximate body chest measurements; fit can vary slightly between styles, so always check the product description for specific notes.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Chest (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 36–38 | 91–97 |
| M | 38–40 | 97–102 |
| L | 40–42 | 102–107 |
| XL | 42–44 | 107–112 |
| 2XL | 44–46 | 112–117 |
| 3XL | 46–48 | 117–122 |
You can always find this chart on our Size Guide page and inside the Size Guide tab on every product page.
Choosing Between Two Sizes
Size up if…
- You plan to wear hoodies or thick knits underneath
- You want a relaxed or oversized look
- You have broad shoulders or longer arms
Stay true to size if…
- You mostly wear t-shirts or light layers underneath
- You prefer a clean, tailored silhouette
- You are choosing an all-leather style and want a close fit
Material Matters
Leather
Leather has very little stretch but softens and shapes to your body with wear. If you are between sizes in a leather style from our Leather Jackets collection, consider how much layering you want.
Wool and hybrid
Wool bodies have slightly more give and drape. Classic hybrids from our Letterman Jackets collection usually feel comfortable from day one.
Bombers
Bomber jackets often have a slightly shorter, blousier body with a fitted waistband. Browse Bomber Jackets and check each listing's fit notes.
Men's vs Women's Fit
Men's jackets are typically cut straighter through the body with broader shoulders, while women's styles may be shaped through the waist or cut intentionally oversized. Shop our men's and women's collections and use the same chest measurement to compare.
Common Fit Mistakes to Avoid
- Guessing from another brand's size. Sizing varies across brands; always measure.
- Measuring over a bulky sweater. Measure over a thin layer, then decide whether to size up for layering.
- Ignoring sleeve length. Cuffs that cover your hands make a jacket look too big even if the chest fits.
- Pulling the tape too tight. Keep it snug but comfortable for an accurate reading.
Still Not Sure? We're Here to Help
If you have questions about a specific jacket's fit, email us at sales@thevarsityjacket.shop. And because every order ships free within the US with 30-day returns, you can order with confidence—if the fit isn't right, we will help you make it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a varsity jacket be tight or loose?
A classic varsity jacket should be comfortable with room for a light layer—neither tight across the chest nor so loose that the shoulders droop. Oversized styles are intentionally roomier.
Do varsity jackets shrink?
Wool can shrink if it is machine washed or tumble dried. Follow the care instructions and choose professional cleaning to keep the original fit.
What if I'm between sizes?
If you layer hoodies or like a relaxed fit, size up. If you prefer a tailored look over a t-shirt, choose the smaller size.
Can I exchange if the size is wrong?
Yes. You can return unworn items within 30 days of delivery. See our Refund & Return Policy for details.
Does the size chart apply to both men's and women's jackets?
Use it as a general guide for both, then check each product's description for any style-specific fit notes, such as cropped or oversized cuts.